NFL

Wes Welker Suspended Four Games for Amphetamines

According to published reports Denver Broncos wide receive Wes Welker has been suspended by the NFL four games for use of amphetamines.Welker was excused from practice Aug. 20-21 to attend his appeal hearing.

Welker tested positive from a sample taken shortly after he attended the Kentucky Derby. He argued that the sample was tainted.

Welker recently returned to practice after suffering his third concussion since Nov 17 in a preseason game against the Houston Texans .

Welker had not been cleared for contact and was still a question mark for Sunday night’s regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

The loss of Welker could be devastating to the Broncos offense. Over the last two seasons, only five players in the NFL averaged more targets per game than Welker. Welker ranks tied for eighth in the league in total targets over that span, despite missing three games.

He caught 73 passes for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013, despite missing almost four games due to injury.

According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Broncos “have known about Welker’s suspension” since before training camp and were “holding out hope” it would be turned over on appeal.

Welker will be docked five weeks pay from the league’s 17-week season, or $882,352 of his $3 million salary. He might also have to pay back a portion of the $7 million in signing and roster bonuses he has already received.

About James Rhodes

James is an American born sports writer that covers all sports and has a passion for football at every level He began his journalism career then and has been published on numerous sports websites and publications